If It Looks Like a Duck... Trivia Quiz

Answer: Cricket

In cricketing terms, a batsman who has not managed to score a run is said to have scored a duck. The origin of this is believed to be the shape of a duck's egg resembling a zero. It was first used in 1866 when the Prince of Wales was dismissed "on a duck's egg", and it has been in popular use ever since.

A batsman who has the misfortune of getting out with the first ball of his innings is said to have scored a "Golden Duck".

Answer: Labrador Duck

The world's last Labrador Duck (Camptorhynchus labradorius) was served as dinner in Elmira, New York in 1878. The county was experiencing a flood at the time, food was in short supply, and the young man who shot and killed it probably never knew that his family was eating the last of a species. Unfortunately, the bird became extinct before much could be learned about it, but it is believed its peculiar beak was designed to sift through shallow water for its staple foods, crustaceans and shellfish.

Answer: Amphibious Truck

The name "duck boat" is a play on the name DUKW. It was used extensively by British forces in the second World War, including the D-Day landings, to ferry troops and supplies to the beaches of France. The name was given by manufacturer GMC: "D" gives the year of manufacture, in this case 1942, "U" for utility, "K" for all-wheel drive and the "W" indicating it had two rear-powered axles.

The DUKW landing craft was an integral part in the war and can be considered one of the most legendary yet unassuming vehicles in war history.

Answer: The Walt Disney Company

The Ducks were founded after the success of the 1992 Disney film "The Mighty Ducks". The movie did so well that the Walt Disney company formed the team. It has been going strong ever since, even winning the Stanley Cup in the 2006/07 season. The movie starred Emilio Estevez as the coach of a fictional peewee hockey team. Very inspirational.

Answer: Freedonia

"Duck Soup" was released by Paramount in 1933 and features Groucho Marx as president of Freedonia, a dictator who takes his country to the brink of war with neighbour Sylvania over the love of a woman. The comedy is outrageous and the Marx Brothers are at their best. An interesting bit of trivia suggests that Italian dictator Benito Mussolini saw the film as a direct attack on him and banned the film- apparently the brothers were happy to hear this and saw the snub as a compliment to them!

Answer: Beijing Duck

Peking Duck originated in Imperial China. Specialised restaurants raise a certain species of duck (Anas platyrhynchos domestica) for 65 days before the bird is slaughtered and prepared in the traditional way. The recipe calls for the duck to be glazed and hung for 24 hours and then slow-cooked to produce a crispy skin with juicy flesh.

The dish is typically served with steamed pancakes, green onions and hoysin sauce.

Answer: Male only

The male platypus produces a protein-based venom which it uses by injecting it via a spur on its hind foot. The venom is produced in higher quantities during the mating season, leading scientists to believe it may be used to deter other males. The poison is not lethal to humans, but can cause severe discomfort.

It can also kill small animals. Interestingly, the female also has a spur on the foot, but it is not venomous.

Answer: Finland

The origin of this rumour is not certain, but can probably be traced to a few complaint letters written to the Finnish version of "Donald Duck" magazine. The truth is that there was never any ban and the letters were easily dealt with. Half-dressed cartoon characters have been common through the years- one possible reason is that animators might struggle to give identity to an animal if it is completely covered by clothes.

In Donald's case, his tail and webbed feet clearly identify him as a duck!

Answer: Drake Mallard

"Darkwing Duck" was inspired by an episode of the successful series "Ducktales". It spoofs superhero characters like Batman through the sometimes bumbling Drake Mallard, aka "Darkwing Duck", a caped crime-fighter in St. Canard. Every now and then he has to be rescued from trouble by his adopted daughter Gosalyn and pilot Launchpad McQuack, yet he always takes the credit for solving the case.

Answer: Sergei Prokofiev

"The Ugly Duckling" is the story of a swan which is hatched from a batch of duck eggs. Initially the swan does not know what he is and is mercilessly teased by his duck siblings. Eventually he turns into a lovely swan and becomes the envy of the duck family. Prokofiev composed the vocal orchestra piece early in his career before gaining fame for "The Gambler" and "Peter and the Wolf".